Meet Neo Px: the super plant that attacks air pollution
What is Neo Px and how does it differ from regular houseplants in terms of air purification capabilities?
Neo Px is a bioengineered plant developed by French startup Neoplants, designed to purify indoor air at an unprecedented scale3. It is the first in a potentially long line of super-powered organisms with advanced air purification capabilities3. Neo Px is specifically engineered to target and remove harmful pollutants commonly found indoors, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Compared to regular houseplants, Neo Px is up to 30 times more efficient at air purification. This enhanced capability is achieved through the combination of a genetically modified plant and a proprietary microbiome solution, which is added to the plant's soil. The microbiome contains bacteria that have been selectively bred to have an increased appetite for harmful pollutants like benzene, toluene, and xylene. These bacteria work in symbiosis with the plant, breaking down the captured pollutants and converting them into useful substances like sugars and amino acids, which are then used by the plant for growth.
Neo Px is sold at a starting price of $120, and includes packets of the specialized microbiome powder. The plant comes in a biodegradable, self-watering pot designed for optimal airflow, further enhancing its air purification capabilities. By utilizing natural, bioengineered solutions, Neo Px offers a sustainable and elegant way to improve indoor air quality.
Where is Neo Px currently being produced and what are the conditions like in its production facility?
Neo Px is currently being produced in a rented greenhouse in Lodi, California, which is located two hours from San Francisco. The modified pothos plants are grown in a controlled environment, protected from the elements. The production facility is focused on potting, packing, and shipping the plants to meet the demand in the United States market.
Who are the founders of Neoplants, and what inspired them to create bioengineered plants like Neo Px?
Neoplants was founded by Lionel Mora and Patrick Torbey in 2018. The inspiration for creating bioengineered plants like Neo Px came from their dream of creating living organisms with functions. They believed that the most powerful function they could add to plants was to purify the air. This led them to start Neoplants and work towards unlocking abilities within living organisms to fight back against man-made environmental damage.